It is evident that many studies supports intake of recommended amounts of DNA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements. This reduces triglycerides, lowers the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, or hardening of the arteries, and lowers blood pressure slightly. However, massive doses can have devastating effects, such as increased risk of bleeding. Although similar benefits are proposed for alpha-linolenic acid, scientific evidence proves to be less persuasive and beneficial effects may be less noticeable.
Dosing
For healthy adults with no indication of heart disease, the recommended daily intake of omega-3 is to eat fish at least twice a week. Fatty fish are especially recommended, such as anchovies, bluefish, catfish, and tuna. It is also a recommendation to eat plant-based sources of a-linolenic acid, such as tofu or soybeans, walnuts, and canola oil. Individuals should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking omega-3 supplements.
Safety
The FDA does not regulate herbs and herbal dietary supplement. Therefore, it is not guaranteed of its strength, purity, or product safety, and effects may vary upon individuals. Individuals should contact a healthcare professional immediately if side effects occur.
Allergies
People with an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to fish should avoid fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid products that come from fish. Skin rash has been reported on a rare occasion. Individuals with an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to nuts should not take alpha linolenic acid or omega-3 fatty acid products that come from the types of nuts that trigger a reaction.
Side Effects and Warnings
The FDA classifies low intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). Caution may be granted, however, patients with diabetes, because of potential increases in blood sugar levels, patients at risk may experience bleeding, or in those with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may see an increase. Fish meat may contain methyl mercury and caution is warranted in young children and pregnant and/or women who are breastfeeding.
Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding, although there is little evidence of excessive bleeding risk at lower doses. Massive intakes of fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. A high dose is also connected with nosebleed and blood in the urine. Fish oils generally limit platelet aggregation and increasing bleeding time, prolonging fibrinolysis, or breaking the blood clots down, and can limit the von Willebrand factor.
Fish oil taken for many months may cause vitamin E deficiency; therefore vitamin E is added to many commercial fish oil products. Therefore, regular usage of vitamin E products may cause increased levels of this fat-soluble vitamin. Fish liver oil contains vitamins A and D. As a result, fish liver oil products, such as cod liver oil, may increase the risk of vitamin A or D toxicity.
Interactions with Drugs
According to theory, omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with drugs that boost the risk of bleeding. A few examples include aspirin, anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin), anti-platelet drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen, such as Naprosyn and Aleve. According to a study on humans, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce blood pressure and increase the effects of drugs that may also have an impact on blood pressure.
Fish oil supplements many reduce blood sugar levels a small amount. Caution is advised during the usage of medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored carefully by a qualified healthcare professional. Adjustments or medications may be required.
Since fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body and cause toxicity, patients who are taking multiple vitamins on a regular basis or in high doses should discuss this risk with a healthcare professional before taking any type of fish oils.
Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-fishoil.html
